Rebels launch push in western Libya, aim for coast

A fighter loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi is captured by rebel forces on Aug. 6, as they advance on the town of Bir Ghanam, which according to the rebel commanders was eventually captured, 50 miles south of the Libyan capital Tripoli. Picture received Aug. 7.

AP reports:

Rebel commander Col. Jumma Ibrahim said opposition forces captured Bir Ghanam and had moved a few miles beyond it, as well as making advances on a separate highway to Sabratha. On that highway, rebels at one point came to within 18 miles (30 kilometers) of Libya's coastline, but their convoy then came under heavy fire and they retreated, witnesses said.

"Now he can only defend himself against us," Ibrahim said of Gadhafi. "Our main destination is Tripoli, but we cannot jump directly to Tripoli. We go one by one."